Paul knows.
He knows he's at the end of his life. Paul writes 2 Timothy from the dank confines of his cell in Rome. Timothy has ministered to the church in Ephesus for four years.
Timothy’s facing an increasing array of personal, practical, and political challenges. Into this confronting and challenging moment, Paul writes words of clarity and comfort.
"Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.” 2 Timothy 2:8-10
Our own moment is filled with challenges. Challenges within us, challenges within our churches, and societal challenges.
Into this moment we remember Jesus Christ. We remember his resurrection (and by implication his death), and we remember his whakapapa; from David.
We are reminded that God’s word is not chained.
We remember God’s unchained word has seen societies transformed, civil society developed, human rights established, education and health care developed…
God’s unchained word has seen the gospel declared around the world and men and women from every tongue and tribe respond to Jesus.
We remember that pointing people to Jesus, through the gospel from the Scriptures is worth it.
Pouring out our lives for those God is drawing to himself is worth it.
Living and speaking the gospel so that people may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus is worth it.
